Use caution around pigs at this summer's county fairs

Officials at Mid-Michigan District Health Department are not asking anyone to stay away from the swine barn at the fairs this year, but they are urging caution.

That caution concerns a relatively new virus called H3N2.

Last year, more than 300 cases were reported in several states, including 16 hospitalizations and one fatality.

“Most cases of H3N2 have been associated with exposure to pigs at agricultural fairs, where the virus can spread among pigs and between pigs and people,” said Dr. Robert Graham, medical director of the health department. “This is the beginning of the fair season and we’re looking for it.

Advertisement

Exposure would most likely occur through respiratory droplets.

People most vulnerable to this influenza include those over the age of 65, pregnant women, children under the age of five, and those with chronic problems such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease.

Graham said he expects that most people would not bring a child under the age of six months into a swine display area, but is cautioning against it anyway.

For most everyone else, “You don’t have to avoid the display areas,” Graham said. “But don’t eat in any of those areas and wash your hands.”

The health department is urging those who care for pigs to wash their hands often and to avoid contact with animals that look ill.

Pigs that appear sick with a runny nose or cough should not be taken to the fair, since they might be exposed to the virus, he said.

Graham also pointed out that the health department is in no way urging people to avoid pork products.

“Absolutely not,” he said. “Properly cooked ham or pork is fine.”

Linda Gittleman may be reached at 989-463-6071, lgittleman@michigannewspapers.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lgittleman.